Summary: Date (Afghan Calendar): 1343
Silent newsreel rushes, documenting a flood in Istalif caused by the breaking of snow dams, when people traditionally gather to play 'dehbazi' games in the snow. The cameraman was there to film the games, and the final flood caught everyone unawares, including him.

Footage Source: DVCAM tape transfer
Translated by Rajni Prakash

... is made on top of a high hill. There are four villages in this district. Every village makes one snow dam for itself. Then they pour water in these dams, which has been gathered in a pond for a long time. And then they examine the strength of these dams. This year too, this ancient picnic was held on 15th of Hoot (6th March). Thousands of people participated in this occasion. It is worth mentioning that this picnic becomes dangerous at times.

Entering the river of time sideways, through a dam that breaks in Istalif in 1965 and disrupts a traditional winter picnic, with a soundtrack that seems to belong to another event entirely. A flood without danger, an everyday, natural, expected destruction. Afghan spectacle without the specter of war.
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